The Relationship Between Self-Stigma, Self-Esteem, and Quality of Life in Mental Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: While the relationships between self-stigma, self-esteem, and quality of life have been extensively discussed in populations with mental disorders, there is currently a lack of a meta-analysis to confirm their reliable associations. Aim: This study explores the connections between self-stigma, self-esteem, and quality of life in individuals with mental disorders. Method: A systematic search across three databases identified 82 relevant studies. Meta-analytic structural equation modeling was performed on the included data using R software, and the quality of the included studies was assessed. Result: The results of the path analysis indicated a negative correlation between self-stigma and self-esteem (β = −.493, 95% CI [−0.541, −0.447]), as well as a negative correlation between self-stigma and quality of life (β = −.251, 95% CI [−0.327, −0.173]). A positive correlation was found between self-esteem and quality of life (β = .384, 95% CI [0.303, 0.465]). Among patients with mental disorders, self-esteem played a mediating role in the relationship between self-stigma and quality of life (β = −.189, 95% CI [−0.235, −0.148]). Subgroup analysis of national income levels reveals a significant moderating effect. Conclusion: Self-esteem mediates the relationship between self-stigma and quality of life among individuals with mental disorders. Future interventions aimed at improving the quality of life of individuals with mental disorders should consider the impacts of self-stigma and self-esteem.